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By: Dan Fredricks
November 22, 2021
Editor Note: The following is a continuation of the article, “By the Numbers” that was published last week. You can read it here: By the Numbers
A Biblical Model for the Mandate
Yes, the world is a BIG place. But we must keep in mind that it is God’s place, above all. As such it is not “mission impossible,” but rather mission accomplishable.
The Psalm 96 Model
Psalm 96 is a classic evangelistic, missiological, and messianic psalm. It is a view of the world as God views it. It can be outlined as follows:
A) God’s certitude as creator of all things, as the Creator of all (Psalm 96:1-6 and 11-12)
Every effective approach to evangelism,[1] missions, and eschatology (where history is going and destiny of every individual) will proclaim the very nature of mankind’s dignity as created in the image of God as well as depravity in sin in need of a Savior. The world, the heavens, the earth, the sea, the field, the trees of the forest all rejoice in Christ as the Creator and Savior (Psalm 96:11-12; cf. John 1:1-4; Col. 1:15-17).
B) God’s call to the nations for salvation as the exclusive Savior (96:1-5)
Every effective approach to evangelism, missiology, and eschatology will proclaim Christ to be the only source for the solution of sin and sole Savior of God for mankind.
C) God’s confirmation of certain justice as Judge of the earth (96:10-13)
Every effective approach to evangelism, missiology, and eschatology will declare the certainty of a judgment day by the righteous and faithful justice of God over all mankind.
Psalm 96 expresses God’s view of the world as Creator, Savior and Judge, from the macro to the micro; “all the earth” to “the nations” to “all the peoples” to “families.” The psalmist declares, “Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day,” and “For He is coming to judge the earth … and the peoples in His faithfulness.”
Manageable Portions
Let’s break it down into manageable portions. Like any task that may seem overwhelming at the start, over the course of time, one step at a time, there is accomplishment and satisfaction.
1. First, the task before us is Lord’s. We are His servants. We are workers together with Him.[2]
2. Second, we are assigned our portion to simply fulfill in our time. We are not individually responsible for “the whole world.” That’s a relief.
3. Third, as we break down our part, we must simply realize that “every creature” is comprised of individuals.
4. Fourth, we pray to the Lord about individual people, and then present individual people the gospel about the Lord.
5. Fifth, begin to identify the people in “your world.” Graph your world by 1) family, 2) friends, 3) work, 4) school, 5) neighborhood, 6) “as you go” encounters while shopping, traveling, at a restaurant, etc. Make and keep a listing of each one, speak to the Lord about each one, and speak to each one about the Lord.That’s how the Lord evangelizes the world through you . . . one person at a time.
Conclusion
The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof![3] The nations[4] are His and will worship Him.[5]
He is calling to Himself people from every tribe, tongue, people and nation.[6] Every one appointed for salvation will believe on Him by faith,[7] as He is calling out a people for His name’s sake.[8]
That is how you evangelize the world. One person at a time in your world where the Lord has sovereignly placed you in His harvest field.[9] Pray and press on to be daily faithful as His servant in His BIG world!
Practical Application[10]
You don’t have to save the world. That is the Lord’s doing. You just have to be faithful in declaring Christ according to the Scriptures.[11] Simply do your part in your part of the world where the Lord has placed you. Make a list of your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and the “stranger” the Lord brings into your path of life. Watch the Lord work … as Creator, Savior and Judge.
[1] The Greek word euaggelion, meaning “gospel” or “good news.”
[2] 1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1.
[3] Exod. 9:29; Ps. 24:1; 1 Co. 10:26.
[4] BibleWorks5, ethnos
Meaning: a race, a nation, pl. the nations (as distinct from Israel)
Usage: Gentiles (93), nation (30), nations (37), pagans (1), people (2).
[5] Jer. 10:7; Rev 14:7; Ps. 86:9; Isa 66:23; Rev 19:8; Rev. 15:4.
[6] Psalm 86:9; Isa. 45:23; Phil. 2:10-11.
[7] Acts 13:48.
[8] Acts 15:14.
[9] Matt. 9:38; Lk. 10:2.
[10] Recommended resources: How To Process of Making Disciples, http://www.discipleshiplibrary.com/pdfs/K212.pdf and How Jesus Made Disciples https://followthemaster.org/multimedia-archive/how-jesus-made-disciples/
[11] 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Cf. “This Jesus…” Acts 1:11; 2:32, 36; 9:22; 17:3.
